Bertrice Small

Bertrice Small (1937-2015) was an American writer best known for her historical romance novels featuring detailed sensual scenes and strong female protagonists. Small wrote over 50 romance novels during her career, including the popular "Skye O'Malley" series and "The Border Chronicles." Her work often incorporated extensive historical research and settings ranging from Renaissance Italy to Tudor England, with storylines that frequently spanned multiple continents. Small pioneered the incorporation of explicit sensuality in historical romance, helping establish new boundaries in the genre during the 1970s and 1980s. Her debut novel "The Kadin" (1978) demonstrated her signature style of blending historical detail with romantic elements and earned her recognition as an influential voice in romance fiction. The Romance Writers of America honored Small with a Lifetime Achievement Award in 2014 for her contributions to the genre. Her novels have been translated into multiple languages and have sold millions of copies worldwide.

Readers consistently note Small's detailed historical settings and adventurous plots with explicit sexual content. Her books average 3.8-4.0 stars across platforms. Positive reviews highlight: - Rich period details and research - Strong female protagonists - Complex plots spanning multiple locations - Memorable supporting characters - Blend of romance with historical events Common criticisms: - Graphic violence and non-consensual scenes - Purple prose, especially in intimate scenes - Repetitive descriptions and phrases - Too many subplots and characters - Historically inaccurate dialogue On Goodreads, Small's most popular book "Skye O'Malley" has 3.96/5 stars from 8,400+ ratings. Amazon reviews average 4.2/5 across her catalog. One frequent reader comment notes: "You either love or hate her style - there's no middle ground." Another states: "Her books are like historical soap operas with explicit scenes - over-the-top but entertaining." Readers often recommend starting with the O'Malley saga or Kadin to determine if her style suits their taste.

Skye O'Malley Follows 16th century Irish noblewoman Skye O'Malley as she becomes a powerful ship owner and navigates political intrigues across Ireland and England.

All the Sweet Tomorrows Continuing Skye O'Malley's story, she faces challenges in the Ottoman Empire and encounters the mysterious Sultan Selim.

A Love for All Time Chronicles the romance between Skye O'Malley's daughter Velvet and the nobleman Aidan de Marisco in Tudor England.

Lost Love Found Set in 17th century Scotland, follows widow Calandra as she finds new love while protecting her clan's interests.

The Kadin Details the life of a captured English lady who rises to become the most powerful woman in a Sultan's harem.

Love Wild and Fair Tells the story of Catriona, who must choose between duty to her Scottish clan and her love for an English nobleman.

This Heart of Mine Set in Renaissance Italy, follows a young woman who becomes entangled in Borgia family politics while pursuing her own ambitions.

Until You Chronicles a marriage of convenience between an English lord and a headstrong American heiress in Victorian times.

Blaze Wyndham Depicts the life of a young woman navigating Henry VIII's court while balancing multiple marriages and political intrigue.

The Spitfire Set during the English Civil War, follows a woman who must protect her estate while dealing with both Royalist and Parliamentarian forces.